Tata Power advances smart cabling with AI and fault detection

A key innovation is a robotic system that, once placed on a cable route, autonomously travels along it to locate faults precisely. A patent for this invention is currently in process.

Tata Power cable division is driving innovation with smart testers and AI-powered cable identification tools tailored for utility companies and large-scale installations. These innovations, along with the growing demand for underground cabling driven by the privatisation of DISCOMs and urban infrastructure development, are poised to boost the cable market in India significantly. Ravindra V Gawade expresses his views in an exclusive talk with EPR. Let us take a closer look.

What innovative cable management technologies have you developed to address challenges faced by utility companies?

We have developed several innovative solutions that are proving highly beneficial for utility companies and large-scale installations, such as refineries, which operate extensive underground cable networks.

One of our key innovations is a robotic system designed for pinpointing cable faults. Once positioned on a cable route and testing begins, the robot travels along the path and accurately identifies the location of the fault. This technology is unique, and to our knowledge, no one else has developed a similar solution. A patent for this invention is currently in process.

Another breakthrough is our neon tester, specifically designed for single-core and screened cables. Conventional testers often fail to detect the live status of these cables, particularly when the outer sheath is grounded, as the electrical strike current is diverted. Our tester overcomes this limitation by working on the principle of effectively detecting the magnetic field around the cable, thereby identifying whether the cable is live, even in grounded scenarios.

In addition, we have developed an AI-powered mobile application that plays a crucial role in identifying cables among a large number of laid cables. This is especially useful for utility companies during maintenance or repair work where quick and accurate identification of a specific cable is critical. Unlike manufacturers who work with cables before installation, utilities face challenges in field diagnostics, and this app effectively addresses that gap.

How do you see underground cabling evolving in India amid privatisation and growing urban infrastructure demands?

In India, the use of medium-voltage underground cabling is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, particularly with the government’s ongoing push for the privatisation of power distribution companies (Discoms). When private players take over, they are likely to focus on building more reliable and efficient infrastructure. This often includes replacing overhead lines with underground cable systems, particularly in metro and urban areas.

For instance, Tata Power in Odisha has already begun implementing underground cabling in key cities, focusing on 33 kV and 11 kV networks for critical and high-density areas. This trend marks a major shift in India’s approach to power distribution, which has traditionally relied on overhead lines. With the privatisation drive gaining momentum, such initiatives are expected to expand across other states as well.

Globally, developed countries have already transitioned to underground systems due to their safety, reliability, and lower long-term maintenance costs. In contrast, India’s underground cable network is currently limited to select urban areas, such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. However, with increasing urbanisation and policy support, India is likely to see steady growth in underground cabling, potentially reshaping the landscape of its cable industry over the next 10 to 15 years.

How are government initiatives for renewables and RDSS schemes impacting the cable industry’s growth prospects?

The government’s focus on renewables is providing a significant boost, particularly with subsidies supporting solar and green energy projects. Tata Power Renewable Energy, our renewable energy arm, is benefitting from these incentives, which help expand our clean energy footprint. However, when it comes to infrastructure development, schemes like RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme) offer support primarily to government-owned utilities. These subsidies aid in upgrading the infrastructure of Discoms, indirectly benefiting the entire industry. As these utilities modernise their networks, the demand for supporting equipment, including cables and related technologies, will grow significantly, creating new opportunities for the cable sector.

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